Seattle houseboats: Then and now

A look at one of Seattle's most iconic and evolving images

By By VANESSA HO

on June 12, 2013 4:37 PM

Photo: copyright MOHAI

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Seattle houseboats: Then and now

Houseboats are one of Seattle's most iconic, evolving images, going from logging shacks to Depression-era slums to million-dollar homes.
In honor of MOHAI's houseboat exhibit opening Saturday, here's a look at Seattle's famous floating homes through the years.

Houseboats are one of Seattle's most iconic, evolving images, going from logging shacks to Depression-era slums to million-dollar homes. In honor of MOHAI's houseboat exhibit ... more

Photo: MOHAI/seattlepi.com, -

Seattle houseboats: Then and now Houseboats are one of... Photo-4776695.64448 - seattlepi.com

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Houseboats are as old as Seattle and once numbered roughly 2,000. This Rainier Beach photo, circa 1900, is one of the oldest public photos of houseboats in Seattle. In the early days, houseboats were mostly small, crude homes on rafts for loggers. less

Houseboats are as old as Seattle and once numbered roughly 2,000. This Rainier Beach photo, circa 1900, is one of the oldest public photos of houseboats in Seattle. In the early days, houseboats were mostly ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, /

Houseboats are as old as Seattle and once numbered roughly 2,000.... Photo-4780164.64448 - seattlepi.com

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In the early 20th century, working-class houseboaters tended to live on Lake Union and along the Duwamish River. Richer people used houseboats on Lake Washington (pictured) as summer homes. (1910 photo: copyright MOHAI, shs9025). less

In the early 20th century, working-class houseboaters tended to live on Lake Union and along the Duwamish River. Richer people used houseboats on Lake Washington (pictured) as summer homes. (1910 photo: ... more

Lake Washington houseboats took a hit in 1916, when the lake was lowered nine feet, to make it level with Lake Union. That was done to build the Lake Washington Ship Canal in 1917. The lowering caused many houseboats to tip, pictured.
(Photo: Webster & Stevens/copyright MOHAI, 1983.10.9810.1). less

Lake Washington houseboats took a hit in 1916, when the lake was lowered nine feet, to make it level with Lake Union. That was done to build the Lake Washington Ship Canal in 1917. The lowering caused many ... more

Photo: -

Lake Washington houseboats took a hit in 1916, when the lake was... Photo-4776691.64448 - seattlepi.com

These days, there are about 500 houseboats in Seattle, mostly on Lake Union and Portage Bay. They house a mix of people, from wealthy homeowners to people on fixed incomes. (Elliot Suhr/seattlepi.com).

These days, there are about 500 houseboats in Seattle, mostly on Lake Union and Portage Bay. They house a mix of people, from wealthy homeowners to people on fixed incomes. (Elliot Suhr/seattlepi.com).

Photo: Elliot Suhr, -

These days, there are about 500 houseboats in Seattle, mostly on... Photo-4776690.64448 - seattlepi.com

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This is an example of a fancier houseboat on Lake Washington in 1905. (Photo: Webster & Stevens/copyright MOHAI, 1983.10.7356.3).

This is an example of a fancier houseboat on Lake Washington in 1905. (Photo: Webster & Stevens/copyright MOHAI, 1983.10.7356.3).

Photo: -

This is an example of a fancier houseboat on Lake Washington in... Photo-4776688.64448 - seattlepi.com

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Here's the interior of that 1905 houseboat, which looks fancy, but not as fancy as ... (Photo: Webster & Stevens/copyright MOHAI, 1983.10.7356.1).

Here's the interior of that 1905 houseboat, which looks fancy, but not as fancy as ... (Photo: Webster & Stevens/copyright MOHAI, 1983.10.7356.1).

Photo: -

Here's the interior of that 1905 houseboat, which looks fancy,... Photo-4776687.64448 - seattlepi.com

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... this modern, two-story houseboat, pictured during a Floating Homes Association tour in Seattle a few years ago. (Elliot Suhr/seattlepi.com)

... this modern, two-story houseboat, pictured during a Floating Homes Association tour in Seattle a few years ago. (Elliot Suhr/seattlepi.com)

The 1930s shacks are a far cry from today's houseboats. A 1,000-square-foot houseboat in Portage Bay (not pictured) was recently listed for sale at $1.25 million. (Photo by Mark Hatfield/Getty Images).

The 1930s shacks are a far cry from today's houseboats. A 1,000-square-foot houseboat in Portage Bay (not pictured) was recently listed for sale at $1.25 million. (Photo by Mark Hatfield/Getty Images).

Many of today's houseboats also have terrific views. (Elliot Suhr/seattlepi.com)

Many of today's houseboats also have terrific views. (Elliot Suhr/seattlepi.com)

Photo: Elliot Suhr, -

Many of today's houseboats also have terrific views. (Elliot... Photo-4776689.64448 - seattlepi.com

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Houseboats began to dwindle in the '50s, to make way for urban renewal. Officials and "uplanders" also complained of sewage and trash. The caption of this 1952 Portage Bay photo referred to the "nuisance" of "ashcans on the boardwalks."
(Photo: Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, 2000.107.1). less

Houseboats began to dwindle in the '50s, to make way for urban renewal. Officials and "uplanders" also complained of sewage and trash. The caption of this 1952 Portage Bay photo referred to the "nuisance" of ... more

Photo: -

Houseboats began to dwindle in the '50s, to make way for urban... Photo-4776684.64448 - seattlepi.com

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Portage Bay houseboats, 1953.

Portage Bay houseboats, 1953.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, /

Portage Bay houseboats, 1953. Photo-4780162.64448 - seattlepi.com

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The Duwamish River was also home to many houseboaters, who were largely working-class residents. Note the typical cedar-log float of the time. (Photo, 1954).

The Duwamish River was also home to many houseboaters, who were largely working-class residents. Note the typical cedar-log float of the time. (Photo, 1954).

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

The Duwamish River was also home to many houseboaters, who were... Photo-4780381.64448 - seattlepi.com

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These days, Seattle's houseboat community is colorful, hooked up to modern sewers, and required to follow strict environmental practices. (Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com)

These days, Seattle's houseboat community is colorful, hooked up to modern sewers, and required to follow strict environmental practices. (Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com)

A problem with houseboats then: They tipped, when the water level was low. This photo shows a 1950s houseboat heading into Lake Union. (Photo: Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, 2000.107.2). less

A problem with houseboats then: They tipped, when the water level was low. This photo shows a 1950s houseboat heading into Lake Union. (Photo: Copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, ... more

Photo: -

A problem with houseboats then: They tipped, when the water level... Photo-4776683.64448 - seattlepi.com

These days, "floating homes" - the technical term for most of the "Sleepless in Seattle"-type of houseboats on Lake Union - have sophisticated floats that prevent tipping. (Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer file). less

These days, "floating homes" - the technical term for most of the "Sleepless in Seattle"-type of houseboats on Lake Union - have sophisticated floats that prevent tipping. (Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer ... more

The '60s saw a gentrification in houseboats, in which fancier homes sold for a pricey $20,000 at the time, according to the caption of this 1963 photo. (Photo: Phil Webber, copyright MOHAI, 2000.107.8).

The '60s saw a gentrification in houseboats, in which fancier homes sold for a pricey $20,000 at the time, according to the caption of this 1963 photo. (Photo: Phil Webber, copyright MOHAI, 2000.107.8).

Photo: -

The '60s saw a gentrification in houseboats, in which fancier... Photo-4776774.64448 - seattlepi.com

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The 520 bridge, completed in 1963, led to the razing of many houseboats, including these Portage Bay homes pictured two years earlier. (Photo: copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, 2000.107.12). less

The 520 bridge, completed in 1963, led to the razing of many houseboats, including these Portage Bay homes pictured two years earlier. (Photo: copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, ... more

Photo: -

The 520 bridge, completed in 1963, led to the razing of many... Photo-4776780.64448 - seattlepi.com

Houseboat style now, with a hanging plant and bike on the front porch. (Elliott Suhr/seattlepi.com).

Houseboat style now, with a hanging plant and bike on the front porch. (Elliott Suhr/seattlepi.com).

Photo: Elliot Suhr

Houseboat style now, with a hanging plant and bike on the front... Photo-4776707.64448 - seattlepi.com

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The unromantic side of houseboats: This 1962 photo shows a Seattle police boat towing a crumbling, abandoned houseboat set adrift in a windstorm on Lake Union.
(Photo: Phil Webber, copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, 2000.107.10). less

The unromantic side of houseboats: This 1962 photo shows a Seattle police boat towing a crumbling, abandoned houseboat set adrift in a windstorm on Lake Union. (Photo: Phil Webber, copyright MOHAI, Seattle ... more

Photo: -

The unromantic side of houseboats: This 1962 photo shows a Seattle... Photo-4776771.64448 - seattlepi.com

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The '70s saw many evictions, over rising moorage rates and increased development. The caption on this 1971 photo said these houseboats had been "left to rot," after becoming "victims of (a) high-rise next door."

The '70s saw many evictions, over rising moorage rates and increased development. The caption on this 1971 photo said these houseboats had been "left to rot," after becoming "victims of (a) high-rise next ... more

No one thought about evictions, moorage rates or government regulations after seeing "Sleepless in Seattle." (That's "Tom Hanks' house" on the left). The 1993 movie made everyone think that houseboats are so ... less

No one thought about evictions, moorage rates or government regulations after seeing "Sleepless in Seattle." (That's "Tom Hanks' house" on the left). The 1993 movie made everyone think that houseboats are so ... more

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives, /

No one thought about evictions, moorage rates or government... Photo-4780160.64448 - seattlepi.com

Houseboats on the move are always an interesting sight. This floating home gets a ride under the Fremont bridge in 1977. (Photo: Phil Webber, copyright MOHAI,
Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, 2000.107.16). less

Houseboats on the move are always an interesting sight. This floating home gets a ride under the Fremont bridge in 1977. (Photo: Phil Webber, copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, ... more

Photo: -

Houseboats on the move are always an interesting sight. This... Photo-4776748.64448 - seattlepi.com

This two-story floating home, pictured in 2011, is heading for "Wards Cove," a community billed as the last new floating home spots on Lake Union. In 2013, Seattle banned new houseboats, as part of a major update to its shoreline rules. State officials say houseboats are harmful to aquatic life and don't promote public access to water. (Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO/seattlepi.com). less

This two-story floating home, pictured in 2011, is heading for "Wards Cove," a community billed as the last new floating home spots on Lake Union. In 2013, Seattle banned new houseboats, as part of a major ... more

This modern floating home at Wards Cove, recalls this earlier style in ... (Photo by Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com)

This modern floating home at Wards Cove, recalls this earlier style in ... (Photo by Joshua Trujillo, seattlepi.com)

Photo: -

This modern floating home at Wards Cove, recalls this earlier style... Photo-4776726.64448 - seattlepi.com

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... 1978, when this houseboat, with its roof "cutouts," was considered "futuristic"-looking, according to the caption. (Photo: Bob Miller/copyright MOHAI,
Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, 2000.107.21).

... 1978, when this houseboat, with its roof "cutouts," was considered "futuristic"-looking, according to the caption. (Photo: Bob Miller/copyright MOHAI, Seattle Post-Intelligencer collection, 2000.107.21).

Photo: -

... 1978, when this houseboat, with its roof "cutouts,"... Photo-4776728.64448 - seattlepi.com

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The latest battle over houseboats is now over about 150 floating structures the city says are illegal. In late 2012, the city of Seattle said this large Lake Union houseboat was likely illegal, because it resembles a floating home, but doesn't follow floating-home rules on size and environmental practices. The owner has said the house is a "vessel" that doesn't have to follow floating-home rules, the city said. (Photo: City of Seattle). less

The latest battle over houseboats is now over about 150 floating structures the city says are illegal. In late 2012, the city of Seattle said this large Lake Union houseboat was likely illegal, because it ... more

Photo: -

The latest battle over houseboats is now over about 150 floating... Photo-4776740.64448 - seattlepi.com

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Here's another example of a potentially illegal houseboat offered up by the city of Seattle in 2012. The city said the structure doesn't follow floating-home rules on size and environmental practices, despite looking like a floating home. The owner has said the house is a "vessel" that doesn't have to follow floating-home rules, the city said. (Photo: City of Seattle). less

Here's another example of a potentially illegal houseboat offered up by the city of Seattle in 2012. The city said the structure doesn't follow floating-home rules on size and environmental practices, despite ... more

Here's a third example from the city as one of the 150 likely illegal houseboats officials were cracking down on in 2012. The city said this Lake Union houseboat was likely illegal, because it looks like a floating home, but doesn't follow floating-home rules. The owner has said the house is a "vessel" that doesn't have to follow the rules. Photo: City of Seattle. less

Here's a third example from the city as one of the 150 likely illegal houseboats officials were cracking down on in 2012. The city said this Lake Union houseboat was likely illegal, because it looks like a ... more

Photo: -

Here's a third example from the city as one of the 150 likely... Photo-4776727.64448 - seattlepi.com